This is an original 1906 color print of the Maktab, or Kuttab of the Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala'un Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. The Maktab, referred to here as the "sebeel," would have been built adjoined to the public fountain of the mosque (Sabil) and served as an elementary school, in fact, the model founded by Ibn Sina, philosopher and teacher was so successful that in the middle ages, regions with maktabs in their mosques had a higher literacy rate than any other area of the world.

CONDITION

This 105+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light foxing - top margin. No creases. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage.

Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

This piece was illustrated by Kelly, R. Talbot. Artist signature in print - bottom left of image.

Kelly, Robert Talbot

Robert Talbot Kelly (R.G. Kelly Jnr.) (1861-1934) was a painter, writer and illustrator who is most known for his Oriental Landscapes. Inspired by his world travels, this artist was best known for his works concerning Northern Africa and Burma (Myanmar). Son of the artist Robert George Kelly, Robert Talbot originally worked under the nom de plume R.G. Kelly Jnr. to gain traction in the art world. This pseudonym was discarded once he began writing travelogues and other books of ethnic studies which he illustrated himself. His writing and his paintings revealed a love and respect for the cultures he was bringing to the Western audiences for which he published. By the end of his career his work had earned him memberships to The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, The Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Geographical Society; an excellent list of accolades to compliment a lifetime of travel and artistry.